Monday, August 31, 2009

I don't know about you ladies but, when it's time for a guy to play dress up, I am partial to the bow tie. Now of course, I don't mind ties for everyday work but when I go to any formal function, it's always nice to see the guys in bow ties rather than ties. I remember, I had to beg bRc to wear a bow tie in high school to all the formal functions/dances but in the end, to my pleasure, he ended up wearing one. Here are some that I just love:Lilly

Ralph Lauren

Chaps

Brooks Brothers

Joseph Banks

Vineyard Vines

J. PressTie Bar

If only all of these were headbands. Oh well, I'll live vicariously through all the guys I see wearing such pretty bow ties!Yours,sCe

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Friday, August 28, 2009

I absolutely love coffee. I really started to love it around sophomore year in high school. Before that, I would always just order the frapucchino drinks from Starbucks. Now that I'm a "big girl", I drink straight coffee with a little bit of Splenda. My favorite coffee drink is a non-fat latte which I like to treat myself to often when I'm at school. It's always convenient having a Starbucks that is literally a 5 minutes walk from your dorm. I also have this really great Gevalia two cup coffee maker that brews the coffee directly into a travel mug. I love that it can brew on a timer, so when I wake up, there is always a fresh cup of coffee ready for me to grab on the go. My favorite ground Starbucks coffee is by far the french roast. It is bold, and so delicious. I don't buy any other ground coffee. I can't wait for Starbucks to come out with the Pumpkin Spice Latte. That is my favorite drink during the fall, and I patiently wait its arrival every year around late September.My favorite local coffee shop at home without a doubt is called Coffee Tree. There are several locations around where I live and they have the best coffee, along with some delicious pastries. There is one with a garage door type window that they open up in the summer so it's like an outdoor coffee shop. It's really neat and I definitely miss it while I am at school. I am so interested to hear what your favorite coffee drink or ground coffee is and what your favorite coffee shop is! I always like new suggestions on drinks to try!Have a fantastic and fun-filled weekend! Enjoy one of the last weekends at the pool before Labor Day comes!Yours,sCe

Thursday, August 27, 2009

This is going to be a really quick post because I am about to head to class but I just wanted to share how excited I am about a Dave Matthews song called "Light Lift Me Up". A while back, probabaly about 3 years ago, a friend of mind introduced me to this song, and for some reason I only have 30 seconds of it on my iTunes. I have been googling it for years now, trying to find some website that plays this song because it is so rare. I scoured youTube for hours searching for it at times, and someone has finally put it on youTube. It is such a great song. It's calming, but also features Dave Matthews voice, which I love. Here is the song:

Let me know if you've heard of it before because I have yet to find anyone that has! Also I wanted to share today's outfit with you!I hope you all have a great day! Tomorrow is Friday which is definitely something to be happy about! I promise I'll have a more substantial post tomorrow.Yours,sCe

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

I created a play list for my blog! I am so excited to share with you my favorite songs of all time with you. Sadly, I couldn't find "Good Girls Go Bad" or "Love Drunk" even though I love those songs as well. I used the website playlist.com which is really easy to use. You just go to their website and sign up and then start adding your favorite songs to a playlist. My playlist is on the right of my blog under the about me and contact me. I hope you all enjoy the music! Let me know what some of your favorite music of all time is. I would love to hear becuase I love having new music to listen to. I really listen to any kind of music at all!To the left is a picture of the small poster I got for my room. It is hanging above the little refrigerator and I absolutely love it! It doesn't seem to tacky becuase I don't have it just slapped on the middle of my wall. It's discreet, but I love it! And of course, He is making an appearance on my new playlist!{I am in no way advertising for playlist.com and do not have any affiliation with them. I just think it's a fun thing to have on my blog!}

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

It's back to classes for me! First week of classes are either a breeze or overwhelming, let's hope this semester they are a breeze! With this Lilly backpack, it would just brighten everyone's day; Unfortunately, I think I'm a little too old to be toting around this beauty. Someone please buy this for their child! I have several classes with some close friends so that is something I'm definitely looking forward to. Also rush starts in just 2 weeks and I cannot wait to get new girls into our sorority and find a Lilly loving little. Everyone who is going back to school, good luck and best wishes for a fun-filled year!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Today is my first day of class. One down and only one more to go. It's so nice to be a sophomore and not have to worry about making tons of new friends, or feeling awkward. My first class seems great, two of my good friends are in it, so that will be so nice. My next class I have with my roommate which will be great!

Also, some VERY exciting news. I wont Kristin @ Summer In Newport's giveaway!!! How exciting! If you aren't a reader of hers, check it out, because she makes beautiful jewelry. She has an etsy store which can be found here.Picture taken from Kristin's blog

The above picture is what I won! It is so pretty, and will look great with all of my preppy looks. I also want to share my other favorite from her website:

I also want to share my first day of class outfit:I just had to wear Lilly on the first day! I hope you all are having a wonderful day, and if you started classes today, I hope it is going well.Yours,sCe

Sunday, August 23, 2009

I just couldn't wait any longer to show you all my dorm! It turned out amazing. The room is so much bigger than I imagined and our bathroom is SO nice. I moved in yesterday with the help of my wonderful parents. It was hard work considering I'm on the 3rd floor! Here are some more pictures of my room:

Saturday, August 22, 2009

The other night, The Chronicles of Narnia was on ABC Family. I haven't seen the movie since it came to theaters in 2005. I have always loved the book by C.S. Lewis; I can remember my mom reading it to my sister and I many times. So, when it was on TV, I couldn't help but watch. It really is a fantastic movie which kind of reminds me of Harry Potter in that it is based very much on fantasy. In the movie there is a lion that is named Aslan who is the king of Narnia, and I can't help but think that they made Aslan look so beautiful. He is by far my favorite character. If you haven't yet seen it, I urge you to do so, you won't be disappointed!

Speaking of movies, only three more months until New Moon comes out! I am so excited to see the new movie, and have now started my countdown! As much as I love Robert Patinson, I also love Taylor Lautner, so I cannot wait to see this movie! Is anyone else counting down?!Have a great night!Yours,sCe

Thursday, August 20, 2009

The car is packed, more like my life is packed away and I am headed for Virginia tomorrow! I move in Saturday and I cannot wait! I can't wait to see all of my friends and sorority sisters and catch up with everyone. I can't wait to show you all my room. I'm usually so good at packing but I might have gone a little overboard with clothes. Oops! I have a few posts scheduled for my move in period, but I will post about my room and everything ASAP! So here is my apology in advance if my posts are not as often as usual!Anyway, last night on Sirius radio I heard this great song called "Love Drunk" by Boys Like Girls. Usually I'm not one to like these "punky" bands, and in fact this band came to my university last fall, but I had never even heard of them so I didn't bother going. This song is really catchy and brings up your mood instantly. The chorus sounds a little like "Somebody told me" by the Killers from a few years back. Nonetheless, I cannot get enough of this song! Check it out:

Makes you want to run! Have a great weekend everyone! Wish me luck on the moving-in process!Yours,sCe

I thought I'd share some men in Hollywood that I think are definitely eye candy. I always love to see who likes what actor. Like for example, my mom is in love with the lead singer from the Goo Goo Dolls, or cCm loves Nick Jonas from the Jonas Brothers (although, don't all teenage girls?). Well I've decided to share my favorite Hollywood hotties..Definitely don't like his football team but I like him.. Matt Leinart

Ditto for this guy..Brady QuinnI think he looked best in the Hangover.. Bradley CooperPart of my love for August Rush.. Jonathan Rhys MeyersDon't normally like redheaded men, but he is just SO cute.. Rupert GrintEveryone loves Nate, but I love Chuck.. Ed WestwickNeed I say anything? David BeckhamWill you marry me? Robert Pattinson

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

The wonderful Headband and Handbags has chosen me as a winner of her giveaway! I am so excited to be the winner of a new navy blue bow headband! She made them all herself. I wish I had that kind of talent. Plus, I have been looking for a navy blue bow headband at every store possible, and had yet to find one, so this couldn't have been a better giveaway for me to win! Thank you HB&HB!Picture taken from HB&HB

HB&HB has also tagged me to share my summer memories. I can definitely relate with her on so many. I think this is such a fun idea for a post. It really is so sad that summer is almost over. But just think, fall can be a great time as well (and a good excuse to get some new clothes!) So here it goes; Summer Wind's Summer Memories:

1. Spending time at the CC. It's so fun to go to a place where you have so many friends to spend the hot summer days with. Plus they do fun events, like concerts, campouts, brunches, jazz night, and parties.

2. Walking the pup at night. I love summer nights; they are the perfect temperature, and it is so nice to walk around my neighborhood.

3. Eating outdoors. Whether it be outside at my house, or outside at a restaurant, eating outdoors is always better in my book.

4. Summer clothes are just easier. No bulk coats, or mittens or anything. Just a simple skirt and a polo with J.Crew flip flops and you are set to go. Plus all of the colorful LP, RL, JCrew, and VV you could want!

5.Getting a suntan. I know it's not healthy, and no worries, I wear sunscreen! Having a sunny glow is something I wish I could have all year 'round (without the unhealthy tanning beds!).

6. Spending time with family. I am away at school for most of the year so it's nice to spend time with my family.

7. Mt. Washington and the incline... Oh the view and the restaurants that have the view. Such an amazing place. I love it in winter, but I think summer is the best.

8. Lots of time with bRc. During the school year we are 9 hours away from eachother, so it's so nice to know that we have a good 4 months to spend together.

9. Lots of reading time. I love to read for pleasure, so it's nice when I can take a break from the boring textbooks and read all of the books that I've heard such great things about.

I absolutely had a wonderful time recapping all of my favorite things about summer. I will not limit this to just a few people, anyone who thinks that this is such a fun post is more than welcome to share their favorite things about summer. If you do, leave me a comment becuase I want to read your fave things!

Have a great Wednesday. It's bRc's last night here so that is what will be consuming my time today. Please pray that bRc has a safe trip back to school.

Monday, August 17, 2009

This is going to be a very random post, I just have so many little things to share! The first is a recipe from Anne Byrn's "The Cake Mix Doctor". My mom has made this cake several times, including yesterday for my dad's birthday dinner. It is possibly one of the best, most moist, chocolatey cakes I have ever had.

Darn Good Chocolate Cake:one 18.25-oz. pkg. plain devil's food or fudge cake mixone 3.9-oz. pkg. chocolate instant pudding mix1 cup sour cream1/2 cup water1/2 cup vegetable oil4 large eggs1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chipsPrep: Place rack in center of oven and heat to 350. Lightly mist a 12-cup bundt pan with vegetable oil spray and dust with fl mixing bowl. Blend with electric beaters on low speed for one minute. Stop and scrape down bour, shaking out excess. Place cake mix, pudding mix, sour cream, water, oil and eggs in a largeowl. Increase speed to medium and beat for two to three minutes more, scraping down bowl. Fold in chocolate chips, making sure to distribute them well. Turn batter into the bundt pan and bake at 350 for 58 to 62 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed and is just starting to pull away from the pan. Place on wire rack to cool for 20 minutes. Run a long, sharp knife around edge of cake and invert onto a rack to cool for 20 more minutes.

I really recommend this cake, it is so yummy and serves a crowd! My favorite part is the chocolate chips; you can never have too many!

Today I finally finished packing and getting all of the things I need for school. I am so glad to be done with all of that because it really is a huge task. I also got a portable hard drive so I can back up all of my files including my papers that I have spent many hours on! I also got two pairs of shoes, one pair are Lands End Suede Moccasins, they are so nice and comfortable.The color is spice brown; so perfect for fall!

Lately I have been absolutely loving channel 75 on Sirius radio called Siriusly Sinatra. It is definitely my station of choice, and I recommend it to all who have Sirius radio. It not only plays my favorite Sinatra tunes, but it also plays other music just like Frank.

For all of you new readers, I recently held a giveaway that was sponsored by Nantucket Gift Company. I worked with the owner, Betsy, to create a great giveaway that would feature the wonderful items that she has to offer. I just got the crab bottle opener in the mail, and let me tell you, it is the highest quality bottle opener and looks so pretty sitting on our bar. I absolutely love it, and if anyone needs to give a gift in the coming months, this website is so perfect for all of your needs. All of you "Marylanders" would love the crab bottle opener! Thank you so much for your kindness, impeccable customer service, and outstanding generosity, it is so greatly appreciated, Betsy!The oh so pretty packaging (sorry for the bad quality photo, it was taken with my phone)

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Well, my weekend has been absolutely wonderful! Friday night, as you all know, I attended a "camp-out" at my country club. It was so cute. Everyone had huge, amazing tents, filled with cozy down blankets, air mattresses, and even portable DVD players. We started off the night by building the tent (dad definitely took care of that one). After we successfully got the tent all set up, they started the huge bon -fire and it looked so pretty right in the middle of the golf course. They had a buffet of amazing "camp foods" like baked beans, pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, etc. Then after the food came the best part: the s'mores. Oh they were so good, I think it's one of my favorite desserts.The only thing I can complain about is that some parents literally let their children stay up until 4 am. Some children did not sleep at all. Now I have no place to butt in and give you my parenting tips, because I'm only a college girl, and I have no mommy skills. I didn't appreciate it because tents don't block out any noise so I heard the kids all night long. And personally, I wouldn't want my child disrupting anyone's sleep and I would want my child to definitely get sleep because I wouldn't want to have to deal with a sleep deprived child the next day.All-in-all, it was a great event, and I can't wait to attend it next year. Especially for the yummy breakfast I had!

Warning: Do not read if you have a tattoo!Saturday I went to the wave pool. It was sweltering hot here, and I have been begging bRc to go for months now. We have made it a tradition to go once every summer. I love the waves, and think it's such a fun day and makes for a good workout! The only thing about the wave pool was that there were tattoos EVERYWHERE. I think 3/4 of the entire wave pool was tattooed. Now, don't read into this as I am totally against tattoos. As long as it's inoffensive to the masses, I think a small tattoo is not a bad thing at all, and I don't judge. However, I do tend to judge, when someone's body is half covered in tattoos, or when girls have tattoos that half peek out of their bathing suits. It just gives me the wrong impression of people who are perfectly lovely. I think part of the reason I love going to the CC (sorry if this sounds snobby, I don't mean it to be!) is because you can avoid the majority of the half tattooed creepy men, the people smoking cigarettes, and tons of not-so-well behaved children. Of course, bRc and I will continue going to the wave pool every summer to splash in the waves, but next time, I hope there is a little less body ink to stare at.

Today was another scorcher, I hope everyone stayed cool today. It's a rare thing when it reaches 90 degrees here, but it definitely did today. bRc, cCm, pVe and I spent the day at the CC to stay cool. I don't normally go in the pool and stay in for a while, but today, it was so hot that I was in the pool multiple times.This week is going to be spent running all around town with errands for school and I still have to do some last minute packing. bRc leaves Thursday morning :( so we only have limited time left. Have a great night, and a wonderful Monday!Yours,sCe

Thursday, August 13, 2009

A big thank you to Southern Seersucker for the Butterfly award! She is such a sweetheart, and if you haven't had a chance to check out her blog, go right on over! Thanks again SS!

Today I went back to school shopping and found the most amazing Lilly purchases on CLEARANCE in TJ Maxx. I got a Lilly nightgown ($20) and a Lilly top ($30). Can you believe those great prices!

I believe it was a deal of a century! I also got an oxford cloth king pillow case with pearlized buttons. It is so adorable and will be the perfect addition to my bed. I also grabbed a great assortment of 21 themed presents for my big sorority sister because she will be turning 21 shortly after we return to school!

Here is another pictured of what I've snagged on various random trips to various stores!L to R: Satin Headband (F21), Black Patent Heels (Target), Purple Grosgrain Headband (F21), Black Stretch headband with Satin Bow (F21), Hot pink flats (F21). I snagged all of this for under $40! Target was having a great shoe sale, and same with F21. I have been a sale seeking lady recently. Doesn't it feel so great to get a good deal!

Tomorrow night I will be doing something very different for me. I am camping. Yes you heard that right. CAMPING! Not the traditional kind of camping where you go in the middle of the woods and pitch a tent and make your food over an open fire. Our country club hosts a family campout every year. I have never been, but my sister has and raves about it. Camping isn't really my thing, but tomorrow night promises to be full of fun. The chef has prepared a full breakfast event the next morning filled with pancakes, waffles, eggs, quiche, french toast, fresh fruit, and tons more. Plus we will be sleeping out on the golf course in tents (air mattress as well!). They have a fire with s'mores set up, a bar, music, and lots more planned. I am so excited to spend time with my family because I will be going back to school in just one short week. I can't wait to report back with all of the details. It will be my first time "camping", although this is hardly roughing it. We will be able to change and brush our teeth and such in the Ladies Golf locker room which is so luxurious with a TV, couches, everything there that you may forget, and plenty of showers and such. We will also be nice and cozy becuase we are bringing air mattresses and bedding so we can sleep well, and my dad just purchased a new tent that sleeps up to 8 people!

First off, I have to tell you ladies I won ANOTHER giveaway! August is my lucky month! The lovely Kristin from Grosgrain Lane picked me as the winner of Olay Definity Face Tint. I am not only thrilled to win, but I am so thrilled to give this to my mother to try because she has been searching high and low for an anti-aging cream (although I certainly don't think she needs one!). I hope she loves this cream and can't wait to surprise her and tell her I won it from a fellow blogger!

I also won ANOTHER award. I know, really I'm cleaning up here on the blog world. So thank you so so much to Southern Champagne Wishes! I won the gem award, and am so pleased to win it from such a wonderful woman!

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I have been getting so many great e-mails and comments in regard to my post The Times Have Changed that I did recently, and in many of the e-mails you have asked me what I usually wear to class or to run errands/meet for lunch. So, I decided I would show you several outfits that I think are great for all of those occassions!This is great for a crisp fall day, where it is still warm enough to wear a skirt without tights.

Also very great for a fall day. Wearing the sweater and wool pants, means you won't have to wear a bulky jacket. Also, those Ugg suede driving mocs are oh so comfortable.Classic, simple, easy.Wear all of the pretty spring/summer colors you can before it's too late! (the skirt is a golf skirt so it is super comfortable to walk to class in)Sweaters are great because if it's cool in the classroom, you can keep warm, but if it's hot outside, just tie it around your shoulders.Cute with a skirt, but in no way too overdone to go to class in.Gotta love the Lilly shorts!For a cool September day or maybe you have somewhere to go in the evening and need to stay warm while walking there.Going out on a weekend (ohh or maybe a Thursday ;)) This is a classy way of achieving the "party look". Don't be trashy and wear cut off shirts, or too-short-shorts or flashy accessories.If it's raining, don't let that stop you! dress comfortably in jeans, with a plain long sleeve shirt, a cute, light jacket, and your favorite pair of rain boots (or duck boots!)

For all of these outfits, I will normally add a special touch whether it be a matching bag, or a headband, or pearls, or a silk belt. I also wear flip flops and sandals for as long as I can becuase they are just easier and more comfortable for me than any other shoe. I loved creating all of these "looks" and I hope you enjoyed seeing them. Which one is your favorite? What is your favorite outfit for errands or lunch with the girls or going to class? I would love to see or hear all about it.

As a side note, my show off your dorm week will kick off on Monday September 7th and end Friday September 11th. I have gotten a great many girls that are interested, and can't wait to show off all of their pretty rooms! Keep e-mailing me at Summerwind41490@gmail.com if you are interested!Yours,sCe